Nexstar, Sinclair Restore Jimmy Kimmel Live

Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group ended a week-long blackout and restored “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to dozens of ABC affiliates on Friday after initially preempting the show following Kimmel’s remarks after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. ABC briefly suspended Kimmel amid warnings from FCC Chair Brendan Carr, and both broadcasters said they reversed course after discussions with Disney/ABC and feedback from viewers, advertisers and community leaders. Sinclair had demanded an on-air apology and a donation before reinstating the program, but multiple reports say Disney made no editorial concessions and Kimmel will retain editorial freedom. Kimmel’s comeback episodes posted record TV ratings and tens of millions of online views, and restoring the show ended protests and local backlash at many stations. The dispute spotlighted broader tensions over free speech, the FCC’s role and political and financial pressures on local affiliates, including scrutiny tied to Nexstar’s pending acquisition of Tegna, while talks about accountability and “responsible broadcasting” between broadcasters and Disney continue.